Last Updated on May 4, 2020 by ellduclos

Do you struggle when it comes to growing an Instagram following? When I first started my blog about 2 and 1/2 months back, my Instagram account had about 1,300 followers. I have since then, in 2 and 1/2 months grown my following to almost 3,000. (in 2020 it is now at over 23,000).

Growing your Instagram can be tricky, time consuming, and may feel as if it will never be possible. However, it is possible! I am going to share with you my Instagram secrets that can help you to grow your following this year!

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How I got my first 2,000 Instagram followers

 Focus on content and theme 

If you notice as you scroll through some of the Instagrams’ of bloggers who are more well known, you notice their photos looking seamlessly perfect. Of course, you don’t need a high quality camera to produce beautiful arrays of photos. I actually use my iphone and it works for me just fine!

As long as you are posting quality photos such as; Good lighting, bright colors, and photos that truly speak to you then your followers will begin to flow in.

It is important that you are posting images that you are passionate about. If you aren’t passionate about them, chances are your followers won’t be either!

Let’s discuss theme:

This can be difficult. I still struggle with a perfect theme on my Instagram. Having a theme on Instagram can be more aesthetically pleasing to look at. It also makes your Instagram look a bit more “professional”. You are probably wondering, “How do I create an Instagram theme?”

Heres how:

1. Focus on a color scheme. The brighter the better. Here are some of my favorite examples.

MyLifeAsEva: 

Caro_e_: 

MeghanRienks: 

2. You can use different backgrounds to make sure your images are always matching/flowing. Examples would be; a white bed comforter, a white table top, a backdrop. I have also gotten marble tile from home depot and have used that before. It sounds tedious but consistency and aesthetically pleasing images really grabs a follower’s attention more.

Work on getting Instagram engagement 

It is super essential that you are engaging with others’ posts on Instagram. DO NOT USE BOTS. They are super annoying and it shows less of a personal connection. You can also get penalized. Show you care by writing something sweet on another user’s post.

What I like to do is comment and like on those who I am following’s photos first. After I will check out hash tags that relate to my niche and comment and like on the recent photos there. I find that this brings a lot of attention to my Instagram. After I like and comment I get a few new followers and likes/comments back!

I set about 30 mins a day to make sure I am able to do this.  Note, growing your Instagram following also strikes the attention of companies. Companies begin approaching you when your following begins to grow. A fun perk*

Write an Engaging Caption

Not only is it important to engage with others, but it is also important that others engage with you. Instagram’s algorithm is unique. The more engagement you have on your photo the better. End your caption with a question for your followers. Make them want to comment on your photo!

Create engaging captions, be unique, be different.

 

Have a hashtag strategy 

I know hash tags may come off as annoying, ugly, and just obnoxious, but they work! They allow other users who are not following you yet, to find you.

Here are some helpful hashtags you can use:

Fashion:

#OOTD #OOTN #StyleDiaries #Style #bbloggers #whatIwore #fashionblogger #fashionista #stylequeen #haul #instahaul #clothing #outfit #outfitideas #chic #trendsetter #trendy #outfitinspirations #fashiondiaries #stylegram #whatIworeToday #passionforfashion

Beauty:

#makeupflatlay #makeupqueen #beautyqueen #makeupaddict #beautyblogger #makeupcollection #beautyguru #instabeauty #makeuphaul #Iheartmakeup #makeupobsessed #flatlayaddict #beauty #lookoftheday #makeupoftheday #slay #selfie #wakeupandmakeup #beautyjunkie

Home/Interiors:

#homedecor #interiordesign #myhome #homeinspo #decor #decorate #home #welcometomyhome #interiorstyling #homeinspiration #homedesign #design #homelove #decoratingobsession #getthislook

Bloggers:

#lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #blog #blogger #blogit #blogtips #diyblog #lifestyleblog #beautyblog #fashionblog #travelblog #ontheblog #newblogpost #todaysblog #mommyblogs #bloglovin #bossbabe #girlboss #bossgirl

Travel:

#wander #wanderlust #travel #traveler #onthego #explore #explorer #goexplore #gooutsideyourcomfortzone #worldexplorer #worldtraveler #getlost #boho #travelblog #travelblogger #blogonthego

Follow others wisely 

What I mean by this is, follow other accounts in your niche. That way they will be more likely to want to follow you back as well! If you are following accounts that don’t relate to your Instagram at all, then they probably won’t be interested in your account.

One thing I cannot stand is when an account with 10k followers or more follows me and then unfollows me when I follow them back. This is a poor strategy and super frustrating. Don’t do that! 

Post Consistently 

The more consistently you are posting on your account, the more followers you will receive. I promise! People love those who are consistent with their work. They tend to trust them more.  Make sure you aren’t posting back to back. That can be “spammy” and annoying to your followers.

Be true to you 

Make sure your Instagram is a reflection of you, your personality, and your creativity. The more genuine and relatable you are, the more others will want to follow you. Just be yourself. Post what you love, what you enjoy, what you are passionate about! The rest will follow!

I hope you find these tips to be of help! You can check out my Instagram account and follow me here

For a more in depth Instagram strategy, you can grab my FREE Instagram crash course!